ENC History Department

Students will be evaluated on how well they identify and critique the significance events, terms, and individuals covered and on the basis

of their reading, writing, and thinking skills. Read every assignment and come prepared to discuss these in class. Since this is designed as a seminar/discussion course, participation will be critical. Always be prepared; I may call upon you at any time. While going over each week’s assignment, identify the major themes, challenge or affirm the key arguments, and offer a clear analysis of the material covered. (Discussion questions will serve as a guide: www.enc.edu/history/lib_qs.html.) Those who fail to keep up with the reading will do poorly. Participation and attendance is absolutely mandatory for each individual and will figure largely into the overall grade. (Obviously, if one doesn’t attend or read the assignments, one can hnot participate.)

Two tests will be administered over the semester involving short answer and essay questions. In addition, unannounced pop quizzes may be administered occasionally at the beginning of class. These quizzes will cover the most recent reading assignments and our in-class discussions. Those who arrive late or fail to attend class will not be allowed to retake quizzes or tests, unless, of course, a written medical excuse can be provided.

In addition to a satisfactory evaluation of this work based on content, you are expected to demonstrate competence in writing, argumentation, and English composition and grammar. You must submit a total of 7, 1.5 to 2 page, double-spaced, typed responses to the Tues or Thurs reading assignments. (Discussion questions at www.enc.edu/history/lib_qs.html.) These 7 will be graded as pass/fail. Students will also write 3 short, 2-3 page book reviews of the supplemental texts. These will be graded on a 1-100 scale. Details on writing will come later.

This spring a number of Boston libraries, bookstores, schools, and museums will host lectures on a variety of topics relevant to the

course. The Kennedy Library alone features several high-profile political figures and authors. Each student must attend two public lectures over the course of the semester. Many are listed at www.enc.edu/history/boston_lectures_06_07.html. (See listings marked with “+”.) After attending each, students will write up a 1.5-2 page summary, citing specific examples and detailing how the event relates to the course. Summaries will be discussed briefly in class. Other lectures may be attended for extra credit.

At the end of the semester, each student will give a short class presentation on any of the following: a prominent liberal intellectual, journalist, politician, or opinion maker; a liberal think tank or institute; a liberal magazine, journal, review, or website. More details will be provided as the semester progresses. A short bibliography of at least 7 works on the topic must be turned in on the date listed below.

Finally, a note on proper behavior and academic honesty. Talking with fellow classmates, eating, doing other work, reading newspapers, leaving cell phones on, walking out early or arriving late all reflect poorly on you as a student and will hurt your overall grade. Cheating and plagiarism are even worse and will not be tolerated. Be advised: ANY instance of cheating on tests, essays, or other assignments may result in failure of the course. For more on this fascinating topic, please refer to the ENC history dept. guidelines concerning academic honesty: www.enc.edu/history/stephens.plagiarism.html. Those who are guilty will be caught. Incriminating evidence is only a Google™ search away.